Robert Ethier

WEST BOYLSTON — Robert D. Ethier, 77, a former longtime Sterling resident, passed away at home, Sunday, Aug. 24, under the care of his family and the staff at Summit Elder Care.

He was born in Worcester and raised in Cherry Valley, the son of Joseph O. and Mary E. (LaFountaine) Ethier. For 35 years, he lived in Sterling, moving to West Boylston in 2008.

Mr. Ethier graduated from Leicester High School, where he was vice president of his class and captain of their varsity football team. He attended New England Institute in Boston, and worked as a funeral director for his father-in-law at Flagg Funeral Home in West Boylston. He later retired from UPS, where he worked for several years. He and his wife, Marilyn, owned and operated Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm in Sterling for many years.

Mr. Ethier was a U.S. Army veteran, who served in Korea.

He was a member of St. Richard of Chichester Church in Sterling, and a former member of the Auburn Knights of Columbus. He was an avid New England sports fan, and particularly enjoyed attending the New England Patriot's games as a season ticket holder.

He leaves his wife of 53 years, Marilyn R. (Flagg) Ethier; two daughters, April M. Ethier, of West Boylston, and Andrea L. Dolan and her husband, Joseph, of Sterling; a brother, Richard Ethier and his wife, Dottie, of Oxford; three grandchildren, Joseph Dolan Jr., Alexis Dolan and James Gurley Jr.; several nephews and nieces; and his faithful "Yorkie companions."

He is predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Raymond Ethier; and his sister, Lorraine T. Koronkevich.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, Aug. 29, at St. Richard of Chichester Church, Sterling. Interment followed at Mount Vernon Cemetery in West Boylston. Memorial donations may be made to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1208, Fortson, GA 31808-4483 (sp-foundation.org).

The Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, Sterling, assisted the family with arrangements. To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit www.milesfuneralhome.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.